Home
Newsletters
Wetland Patch
Events
Your Committee
Useful Links
Contact Details

Up

Events

We organise an ongoing programme of varied events which we hope will appeal to members and non-members alike. Events are normally free for members and by donation to the general public. Come along and see for yourself! If you have any comments or suggestions for events, please contact us at events@fohb.org.

Rights of Way walk

Date: Saturday 14th October
Venue: Blackford Pond Entrance to Blackford Hill 2pm

A repeat of the August event which was slightly curtailled due to the inclement weather. Explore the rights of way around Blackford Hill, The Hermitage and Braid Hills. We start at the Blackford Pond Entrance to Blackford Hill at 2pm on 11th of August. (Opposite the junction of Oswald Road/Charterhall Rd/Cluny Gardens.) Let us know if you plan to come (Jo Doake 667 6560). Distance four or five miles; with café stops time 3-4 hours. Some of the route will also follow core paths proposed in Edinburgh’s core path plan and our newly signed nature trail.
We begin on the nature trail towards the Observatory and the hill top to see the fort and hut circle remains. We then go through the community wood into the Hermitage, turning right towards Agassiz Rock and then to Howe Dean Path. This leads us to the Braid Hills, crossing the golf course on a little known right of way, exercising our access rights responsibly of course!
At Mortonhall Estate we can call in at the Stable Bar at the caravan park and then retrace our steps to walk along the edge of Mortonhall Golf Course. There is a very short section of road walking before climbing to the Braids viewpoint with its splendid viewfinder. We will probably pass behind the Braids club house to come out opposite Lang Linn and Hermitage Golf Course (café!). There is a choice of routes back to the start but if time allows it would be good to walk up the Braid Burn towards Hermitage House, through Midmar paddock and then turn left to the path that follows the wall beside the allotments and the Wetland patch back to the pond.
The walk has a fair bit of up and down but is on good paths. Walking shoes and rain gear is essential. Children able to manage the distance are welcome. If you have questions contact Jo Doake on 667 6560. Please leave your name and number. Nature Trail leaflets are available from Hermitage House.

Past Events

Fungus Walk

Date: Saturday 22nd September
Venue: Hermitage House, 2pm

A walk with local naturalist and Friend of the Hermitage, Mike Richardson, seeking out this years crop of fungi in the Hermitage. The walk will last until around 4pm, no booking required, stout, non-slip footwear advised.

Rights of Way walk

Date: Saturday 11th August
Venue: Blackford Pond Entrance to Blackford Hill 2pm

Explore the rights of way around Blackford Hill, The Hermitage and Braid Hills. We start at the Blackford Pond Entrance to Blackford Hill at 2pm on 11th of August. (Opposite the junction of Oswald Road/Charterhall Rd/Cluny Gardens.) Let us know if you plan to come (Jo Doake 667 6560). Distance four or five miles; with café stops time 3-4 hours. Some of the route will also follow core paths proposed in Edinburgh’s core path plan and our newly signed nature trail.
We begin on the nature trail towards the Observatory and the hill top to see the fort and hut circle remains. We then go through the community wood into the Hermitage, turning right towards Agassiz Rock and then to Howe Dean Path. This leads us to the Braid Hills, crossing the golf course on a little known right of way, exercising our access rights responsibly of course!
At Mortonhall Estate we can call in at the Stable Bar at the caravan park and then retrace our steps to walk along the edge of Mortonhall Golf Course. There is a very short section of road walking before climbing to the Braids viewpoint with its splendid viewfinder. We will probably pass behind the Braids club house to come out opposite Lang Linn and Hermitage Golf Course (café!). There is a choice of routes back to the start but if time allows it would be good to walk up the Braid Burn towards Hermitage House, through Midmar paddock and then turn left to the path that follows the wall beside the allotments and the Wetland patch back to the pond.
The walk has a fair bit of up and down but is on good paths. Walking shoes and rain gear is essential. Children able to manage the distance are welcome. If you have questions contact Jo Doake on 667 6560. Please leave your name and number. Nature Trail leaflets are available from Hermitage House.

Moth Night

Date: Saturday 4th / Sunday 5th August
Venue: Meet at the Braid Road entrance to the Hermitage at 9.30 on Saturday night or make your own way along to the visitor centre on Saturday night or Sunday morning.

As you should already have seen in your summer newsletter, we are putting on another Moth Night in the Hermitage this weekend. This will follow the pattern of last year's event, but somewhat earlier in the season (and hopefully with better weather!). An evening of moth trapping and identification using light traps and sugar bait will be followed by a further identification session the next morning, and you are welcome to attend either or both of these. Meet at 9.30 pm on Saturday 4th August at the Braid Road entrance to the Hermitage, or come along later to the Hermitage House area, or again from 10 am onwards on the morning of Sunday 5th August when all the captured moths will be examined in daylight before being released unharmed. Duncan Davidson will again be lending us his expertise, and we are looking forward to a varied catch of these fascinating and beautiful creatures.

An evening of moth trapping and identification followed by next day review of captured species. Last year nine species of macro moths were identified. The Friends, with the help and expertise of Duncan Davidson, are running a similar event this year. The date is a month and a half earlier, so hopefully we will trap and identify different species adding valuable information on the moth species to be found in our area.
Light boxes and sugar bait will be set up around Hermitage House Visitor Centre and we will try to identify as many species as possible as they arrive. A further identification session will take place on Sunday morning when the traps will be emptied and all creatures released unharmed.
Please let us know if you plan to come (Elaine Abbot 447 1314). Wrap up well and bring a torch - come along and get trapping!
For more information on the importance of moth recording have a look at the web sites. Butterfly Conservation and Moths Count project

Removal of Himalayan Balsam

Sunday 29th July - Removal of Himalayan Balsam from the banks of the Braid Burn, from 10am onwards

We have already scheduled two days this summer for helping with the control of the alien invader Himalayan Balsam in the Hermitage of Braid, and a number of you may have participated in these. Those who did will recall that this involves pulling the plants up by hand and leaving them in plies to rot. We are now planning one more session before the plants set seed (and are therefore no longer suitable for picking by hand, as the seeds are liable to get spread around and cause more trouble next year), and this will be on Sunday 29th July starting from Hermitage House at 2pm with a briefing from the duty Ranger. If you are only able to come along later on, we will probably be assigned to the same area that was tackled last time, namely just to the north of the Scout Bridge, and no equipment is required other than gardening gloves. I hope you will consider joining us to help control this plant that is competing out many native species in our reserve.

Sunday 15th July - Removal of Himalayan Balsam from the banks of the Braid Burn, from 10am onwards. This is intended to reinforce the effect of our efforts in June, as we are advised that a follow-up session a month later will help to make sure that we pick up any plants missed the first time round. The arrangements will be the same as for the une event, so there’s an opportunity to contribute to one or other of these sessions even if you can’t manage both.

As you may recall from our recent newsletter, the Friends have been contributing to efforts to clear the invasive plant Himalayan Balsam from parts of the Hermitage, where it has been spreading at the expense of native vegetation. The next session will be on Sunday 15th July, and you are asked to meet at 10am at Hermitage House where you will be briefed as to which areas to concentrate on that day. If you can't make it that early in the morning, the group will probably be working further up the hill to the north or west of the House. The plants are not toxic, unlike Giant Hogweed, so no equipment is really needed for pulling them up, although you may wish to wear gardening gloves. I hope you will consider contributing to this effort, as it is an important part of our attempts to preserve the woodland as a native habitat.

Craiglockhart Woods Group Annual Fete

Date: Sunday 23rd June
Venue: South bank of the Braid Burn between Scout Bridge and Howe Dean 10am

The Craiglockhart Woods Group are holding their Annual Fete on Sunday 23 June 2-4 pm. at the old curling pond near Craiglockhart Terrace. This can also be approached from Lockharton Crescent, by crossing the causeway by the pond, and turning left. They are raising money to make improvements to the path by the pond, on the lower part of the nature trail. For any further information please contact the joint secretaries Hilda Henderson and Sylvia Stevenson (hilda@henderson15.fslife.co.uk and sylviastevenson1@btopenworld.com).

Date: Sunday 17th June
Venue: South bank of the Braid Burn between Scout Bridge and Howe Dean 10am

Most reasonably observant visitors to the Hermitage will be aware that the invasive purple-flowered Himalayan Balsam is once again spreading at a number of sites in the LNR at the expense of native vegetation. The plant is best pulled up in June, when it is easily identified but has not yet set seed, and the Friends will be contributing to a programme of eradication organised by the Rangers and also involving some other voluntary groups. Our event will be on Sunday 17th June, and we will be clearing the South bank of the Braid Burn between the Scout Bridge and the Howe Dean. We plan to start at 10am, so join us then or later along that stretch of river bank. No equipment is needed except a pair of gloves if you want, as the plants are easily pulled up and are not poisonous like giant hogweed. Attendance at some of our recent practical conservation events had been poor, so we urge you to think about joining in what could be a pleasant family activity.

Dawn bird watch

Date: Sunday 13th May
Venue: Braid Road entrance 4.30am!

Fergus may have left us, but we are delighted to be able to continue with our annual Dawn birdwatch thanks to Graham Checkley, who is one of the Volunteer Rangers currently helping in the Hermitage. Graham has agreed to share his extensive knowledge of local birdlife with anyone crazy enough to want to get up that early in the morning, and the timing is designed to encompass the magic of the dawn chorus as well as sightings of many of the breeding birds in the reserve as the day lightens. In past years as many as 30 species have been seen or heard during the walk, and most participants have found it a unique and memorable experience. As an added bonus, continental breakfast will be served at Hermitage House at the end of the walk. Numbers will be limited to a group of reasonable size for quiet birdwatching, so please book in advance by phoning Moira Stevenson at 0131 447 3700 or by email to moira.stevenson@gmail.com.

Tree covering removal

Date: Sunday 29th April
Venue: Community Woodland, from 2pm onwards.

As many habitués of the Hill will know, this area immediately to the east of Blackford Hill is the site of a former quarry that was subsequently landfilled, and as part of its regeneration a number of young native and exotic trees were planted a few years ago. Many of these have now outgrown the protective sheaths that were placed round them to prevent damage from rabbits, and the Friends have already had one session in March removing these from any saplings whose growth is being hindered. We didn’t manage to complete the job then, so do join us for another go at this in late April. A sharp implement such as a Stanley knife is useful for cutting off the coverings, and protective gloves are also recommended, but there’s also plenty of fetching and carrying to be done if you don’t want to work at the sharp end.

Braid Burn clean-up

Date: Sunday 25th February 2007
Venue: Meet at Hermitage House, 11am or pop along later to the burn

As usual the winter litter has accumulated relentlessly in the Burn, and one of the earliest signs of Spring is the sight of groups of Friends wading through the icy waters picking out assorted plastic bags, bottles and cans along with occasional more exotic items such as TV sets, traffic cones and motor tyres.

Join us if you can for a safety briefing at 11am at Hermitage House, or later in the day somewhere along the burn if you can't make it by mid-morning. Wellies, gloves, bin bags and rakes will be available from the store at the House, or bring your own if you prefer. This event will go ahead whatever the weather, so please come along to help keep our burn beautiful.

Dawn Birdwatch

Date: Sunday 7th May 2006 at 4.45am
Venue: Meet at Braid Road entrance

Bed lovers beware this one is for early risers only. Discover the bird life at sunrise and hear the dawn chorus whilst the rest of the city is sleeping. Bring waterproofs, boots and binoculars if you have some.

There will be a limit of 20 people for this event, which is free to members of the Friends while non-members will be asked to make a small donation (or join, which amounts to the same thing!).

Despite the insanely early start this is one of our most well attended events, advanced booking is required as places are limited. Contact Rob Elton either by email enquiries@fohb.org or phone 0131 667 4079.

Back to Events

Wetland Patch Workday

Date: Sunday 23rd April 2006 at 1.00pm
Venue: The Wetland Patch

Work is required on the path that leads to the ‘duck board’ and dipping platform; the wetland patch is too wet (go figure) and the laying of a higher level access path / causeway is planned to give better access. Tools, wheelbarrows and path provided all you need to bring is stamina.

Back to Events

An Illustrated talk 'The Water of Leith and the work of the Trust'

Date: Tuesday 21st March 2006 at 7.30pm
Venue: The Cluny Centre (Room 2) Cluny Drive

The Friends have arranged for Helen Brown, the trust manager from the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, to give a talk on the work done by the trust. Free to Friends of the Hermitage members, £2 (£1 concession) to non-members. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.

Back to Events

Friends of Braidburn Valley clean-up

Date: Sunday 19th March 2006 - Afternoon
Venue: Braidburn Valley

‘Everything rolls down hill’ and rubbish in the stream is no exception. Just a reminder that our upstream neighbours are planning their clean-up on March 19th. If we can help them bag and bin the rubbish then there is less likelihood it will be washed down into the Hermitage later on in the year. Wear boots and gloves.

Back to Events

Dawn Birdwatch

Date: Sunday 8th May 2005 at 4.45am
Venue: Meet at Hermitage House

We are lucky to have Fergus Cook to take over leading the walk this year. As our own local Ranger, Fergus probably knows as much about the wildlife of the reserve as anyone, and we look forward to benefiting from his expertise in conducting this walk. We will be serving a continental breakfast at Hermitage House when the walk finishes at around 8 am.

There will be a limit of 20 people for this event, which is free to members of the Friends while non-members will be asked to make a small donation (or join, which amounts to the same thing!).

Those wishing to take part are asked to register in advance with Fergus, either by email fergus@cecrangerservice.demon.co.uk or by phone 447 7145.

Back to Events

Burn Clean-Up

For further details e-mail enquiries@fohb.org or telephone Rob Elton on 0131 667 4079.

Back to Events

"Local reptiles and amphibia" talk by Charles Montgomery

Charles talked about the types of creatures we might find in the reserve and the sort of habitat they may be found in. Weather and time permitting we will then go and see if we can find any. Click here for a summary.

For further details e-mail enquiries@fohb.org or telephone Rob Elton on 0131 667 4079.

Back to Events

Wine Tasting Evening

For further information contact Jeff on 447 0046 or email jeff@jmaguire53.fsnet.co.uk (be quick this one is popular!)

Back to Events

Patch Work Day

For further information contact Jeff on 447 0046 or email jeff@jmaguire53.fsnet.co.uk

Back to Events

Burn Clean-up!

For further details email enquiries@fohb.org or telephone Rob Elton on 0131 667 4079.

Back to Events

Annual General Meeting of the Friends of the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill

For further details email enquiries@fohb.org or telephone Rob Elton on 0131 667 4079.

Back to Events

Geology Walk on Blackford Hill

For more information please email events@fohb.org or telephone Pete Matthews on 0131 466 2392.

Back to Events

Bat Talk and Walk

For more information please e-mail enquiries@fohb.org or telephone Pete Matthews on 0131 466 2392.

Back to Events

Badgerwatch 2004

Date: Thursday 15th July at 7.30pm
Venue: Corstorphine Hill

A repeat of the successful 2003 event will take place on Corstorphine Hill. Come along for a rare opportunity to see this nocturnal mammal, guided by an expert from the Edinburgh and Lothians Badger Group. Places are limited so please book in advance.

Dark, non-rustle clothing should be worn (no waterproofs) and walking boots are required. Binoculars are useful, and bring some insect repellant.

To book a place and for details of meeting time and place please e-mail enquiries@fohb.org or telephone Pete Matthews on 0131 466 2392.

Back to Events

"The Rights and Wrongs of Rights of Way" - a talk by the Scottish Rights of Way Society

Date: Thursday 24th June at 7.30pm
Venue: Hermitage House

Come along to a fascinating talk and slideshow on the rights of way in Scotland and discover what affect new rights of way legislation may have on the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill.

For further information please e-mail enquiries@fohb.org or telephone Pete Matthews on 0131 466 2392.

Back to Events

Flowering Plants Guided Walk

Date: Friday 4th June 2004 at 6.30pm
Venue: Hermitage House

A guided walk by local expert botanist and naturalist Jacqueline Muscott. Find out more about the plants at the Hermitage of Braid - and any other wildlife that we see on the way. The walk will be at a leisurely 'botanists pace' and will last about 2 hours. It is perfect for people with little or no knowledge of plants, but will be equally enjoyed by the keen botanists amongst us.

Bring boots and waterproofs, and meet at Hermitage House at 6.30pm.

For more information e-mail enquiries@fohb.org or telephone Pete Matthews on 0131 466 2392.

Back to Events

Dawn Birdwatch

Date: Sunday 16th May at 4.30am
Venue: Meet at Braid Road entrance of the Hermitage of Braid

An event for the early risers amongst us - a unique opportunity to discover bird life at sunrise and to hear dawn chorus whilst the rest of the city is sleeping. Bring waterproofs, boots and binoculars if you have some. Despite the insanely early start this proved to be a well attended and very enjoyable event in 2003.

Please book in advance by contacting Duncan Priddle by e-mail duncan@cecrangerservice.demon.co.uk or by telephone on 0131 447 7145.

Back to Events

Burn clean-up

Date: Sunday 28th March at 1pm
Venue: Hermitage House

After a successful burn clean-up at the beginning of February, we are going to continue the good work and pick up the remaining litter that has washed down the burn over the winter. In February an enthusiastic team of volunteers braved the weather and cleaned up the section of Braid Burn from Braid Road to Hermitage House. This time we will work our way along the section of burn to the east of Hermitage House. Tools, gloves, wellies/waders and safety advice all provided - wear outdoor clothing and strong footwear. This event will go ahead whatever the weather, so see you there if you can spare the time.

If you can't make it by 1pm, come along later and you will find us working somewhere along Braid Burn.

For further details e-mail enquiries@fohb.org or telephone Rob Elton on 0131 667 4079.

Back to Events

Burn clean-up

Date: Sunday 8 February at 1pm
Venue: Hermitage House

The recent rain has brought a lot of rubbish down into the Hermitage from upstream, and we have not done a Friends' clean-up since last summer, so you are invited to join in and make your contribution to keeping our environment beautiful.

We plan to meet at Hermitage House at about 1 pm, when Countryside Ranger Fiona Smith will get us started with a safety talk and issue of boots, gloves and rakes to those who aren't bringing their own. The more intrepid can wade in the stream and retrieve all manner of junk, but there is also a need for helpers on the bank if you don't feel like plunging into the raging torrent. This event will go on whatever the weather, and we look forward to seeing you there if you can spare the time and energy.

If you can't make it by 1 pm, come along later in the afternoon and you'll find us at work somewhere along the Hermitage.

For further details email enquiries@fohb.org

Back to Events

Annual General Meeting 2003

Date: Thursday 30 October 2003 at 7.30pm
Venue: Cluny Centre, Cluny Drive

The Friends' AGM. Don't forget, we're looking for new members and also new management committee members ......

Back to Events

Fungi Event

Date: Sunday 26 October 2003 at 12 noon
Venue: Hermitage House

Find out more about the fungi in Blackford! Talk at Hermitage House followed by a fungal foray through the hermitage. Free to Friends' members, by donation to the general public. For further details email enquiries@fohb.org

Back to Events

Burn clean-up

Date: Sunday 19 October 2003 at 1pm
Venue: Hermitage House

The burn hasn't been too bad of late, thanks to the good weather, but we reckon it's time for another of our regular clean-ups. Tools, gloves, wellies/waders (if desired) and safety advice all provided - wear outdoor clothing and strong footwear.

For further details email enquiries@fohb.org

Back to Events

Friends' work-day: paths

Date: Sunday 5 October 2003 at 1pm
Venue: Hermitage House

Continuation of the work to carry out some much needed improvements to the steps at the south of Blackford Pond. Tools, gloves and safety advice all provided - wear outdoor clothing and strong footwear. No experience or specialist knowledge/skills required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in!

For further details email enquiries@fohb.org

Back to Events

Geology Event: Eruption & Explosion

Date: Sunday 21 September 2003 at 2pm
Venue: Hermitage House

Learn how Blackford Glen was pivotal in shaping modern geology. Oh, whilst you're there, why not travel some 400 million years through time as well?

2pm-4pm. Contact the ranger on 0131 447 7145 or email ranger@cecrangerservice.demon.co.uk to book a place now!

Back to Events

Bat Talk & Watch

Date: Tuesday 12 August 2003 at 7.15pm
Venue: Hermitage House (7.15pm) or Blackford Pond (8.30pm)

Go batty with the bats of Blackford Pond! Lothian Bat Group are leading a repeat of our highly popular bat event 2 years ago where a record 39 people were enthralled by our very own Blackford Pond bats. Expect to discover lots of interesting information about these fascinating creatures; see pipistrelle and daubenton's bats up close and personal; and learn how to use an electronic bat detector.
7.15pm at Hermitage House for talk and slideshow followed by guided visit to Blackford Pond (8.30pm). Free to Friends of Hermitage members, by donation to general public. Booking not necessary - just turn up on the night. For more information contact jeff@jmaguire53.fsnet.co.uk or 447 3314.
Children very welcome but no dogs please - bring a torch and keep your eyes and ears open!

Back to Events

Wine Tasting

Date: Thursday 7 August 2003 at 8pm
Venue: Henderson Independent Wine Merchants, corner of Comiston Road and Comiston Terrace

Do you know your Beaujolais from your Barolo? Or how about your Alsace from your Elba? Well now is your chance to learn all about good wines, courtesy of the Friends of the Hermitage and Henderson Independent Wine Merchants.
£3 for members, £4 for non-members to try 9 good wines with our very own inimitable and highly entertaining host, David Henderson. 8-9.30pm. Booking essential contact Jeff at jeff@jmaguire53.fsnet.co.uk or 447 3314 to reserve places. Limited to Friends of Hermitage and their guests only!

Back to Events

Improving Steps at the Pond

Date: Tuesday 5 August 2003 at 6pm
Venue: West gate of Blackford Pond

Wear old gear. Details from 447 7145.

Back to Events

Badgerwatch 2003

Date: July 2003 - date and time tbc
Venue: Corstorphine

A badgerwatch evening has been arranged for the first fortnight in July. Numbers are limited so phone 447 2614 asap.

Back to Events

Practical Conservation Workday

Date: Sunday 29 June 2003 at 12 noon
Venue: Hermitage House

Fergus will get us started on some useful work around the Hermitage and Hill. This may include litter collection in the Braid Burn or elsewhere, path maintenance and repair near to Blackford Pond, or cutting back vegetation on other paths.

Tools, gloves, wellies (if desired) and safety advice all provided - wear outdoor clothing and strong footwear. No experience or specialist knowledge/skills required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in!

Back to Events

Wetland Patch Project Practical Conservation Workday

Date: Sunday 1 June 2003 at 2pm
Venue: Hermitage House

An afternoon of removing the invasive species Japanese Knotweed, and putting in stepping stones.

Tools, gloves, wellies (if desired) and safety advice all provided - wear outdoor clothing and strong footwear. No experience or specialist knowledge/skills required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in!

Back to Events

Songs at Sunrise - Dawn Birdwatch

Date: Sunday 25 May 2003 4.30am - 7.30am
Venue: Braid Road Entrance, Hermitage of Braid LNR

Open those eyes and unplug those ears as we discover who's making a racket so early in the day! Bring waterproofs, boots, and binoculars if you have some. Please book on 0131 447 7145 or email ranger@cecrangerservice.demon.co.uk

Back to Events

"Local reptiles and amphibia" by Charles Montgomery

Date: Thursday 17 April 2003 at 7.30pm
Venue: Cluny Centre, Cluny Drive

FREE. If you think there aren't any local reptiles and amphibia, come and be surprised! Refreshments.

Back to Events

Wetland Patch Project Practical Conservation Workday

Date: Sunday 9 March 2003 at 12.30pm
Venue: Hermitage House

An afternoon of surveying for birds and ground flora, removing sycamore saplings, clearing vegetation and Himalayan balsam from around the pond, putting in new stepping stones and generally tidying up around the wetland area.

Tools, gloves, wellies (if desired) and safety advice all provided - wear outdoor clothing and strong footwear. No experience or specialist knowledge/skills required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in!

Back to Events

"Rural South Edinburgh" by Malcolm Cant

Date: Friday 5 March 2003 at 7.30pm
Venue: St Catherine's Argyle Church Hall, Grange Road

FREE to Friends members, £3 (£1.50) to the public. Edinburgh's top local historian, Malcolm Cant, will give an illustrated talk on "Rural South Edinburgh". Refreshments.

Back to Events